COFCO to Distribute Scotch Whisky

One of Scotland’s oldest whisky producers said it is tapping into the lucrative Chinese thirst for the drink after securing a major distribution deal with one of China’s food and beverage giants. Loch Lomond Group, based in Alexandria in Scotland, has entered into a partnership with China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corp, also known as COFCO. The Scottish independent distillery full range of whiskies, which include Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia and Littlemill, will be available to customers throughout China…Full Article: ECNS.cn May 2017

Key Point

From 2015 to 2016, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, exports to China increased 0.5% to GBP 41 million (USD 52 million). In particular, single malt exports increased 66% to GBP 12.9 million [~USD 16.4 million].

ChinaAg Comments

According to a 2015 market intelligence report, Chinese net sales of foreign liquor/spirits declined -40% due in part to a -42% decline in Scotch whisky sales.

In 2014, Hong Kong imported 4.2 million liters of whisky and exported ~745,600 liters of whisky to mainland China, equating to roughly an 18% re-export rate. From 2010 to 2014, total re-export volumes averaged 28% of all imports. The United Kingdom was the top supplier of whiskey.

In July 2013, the UK-based Diageo Plc, the world’s largest liquor producer by sales, stated it will acquire the remaining shares of Sichuan Chengdu Shuijingfang Group, also known as SJF Holdco, for 233 million pounds ($357.6 million). SJF Holdco is major Chinese producer of baijiu.